The Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck may get the most attention when it comes to gaming handhelds, but let’s not forget the noble mobile phone, also known as the smartphone. It just takes An accessory to turn your phone into a real handheld with analog sticks, buttons and triggers. The best one out there is Backbone’s One mobile controller, and it’s 30% off on Prime Day in October.
There are several variants of the Backbone One controller $69.99 (was $99.99), including the latest USB-C versions in black or a white PlayStation DualSense theme that connects to the latest iPhones and Android models. (For those who have an iPhone 14 or older, controllers that use a Lightning connector are available for the same price.) The Backbone One extends to secure itself around the edges of your phone, turning it into an attractive handheld. It has a passthrough charging port that allows you to keep your phone charged, as well as a 3.5mm audio port in case you use wired headphones. What a new concept3.5mm on smartphone!
For PlayStation owners, the Backbone One enables PS Remote Play on iOS and Android – note that only the PlayStation Edition gives Android users access to it – effectively allowing your phone to serve as a PlayStation Portal without adaptive triggers and fiddling. Not a PlayStation gamer? You can stream Xbox Game Pass games, stream titles from your PC via Steam Link, and/or play other native mobile games that offer controller support, such as Call of Duty mobile.
Looking for more offers? See all of Polygon’s favorite Prime Day 2024 deals for October here and subscribe to our newsletter below to get great deals delivered to your inbox every week.